Dragon Age: The Veilguard Dev BioWare Reportedly Down to Fewer Than 100 Employees Following Layoffs and Staff Exits

BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures. This significant reduction comes on the heels of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's release and a company restructuring prioritizing the next Mass Effect title.

Bloomberg reported BioWare's headcount exceeded 200 two years ago during The Veilguard's development. Last week's EA restructuring, focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, resulted in some The Veilguard staff being transferred to other EA studios. This included creative director John Epler moving to Full Circle's Skate project and senior writer Sheryl Chee joining Motive's Iron Man team, according to Game Developer.

These staff transfers, initially described as temporary assignments by Bloomberg, are now permanent relocations. However, other employees have confirmed layoffs and are currently seeking new employment. Several BioWare developers publicly announced their departures on social media, including editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer and lead writer Trick Weekes, editor Ryan Cormier, producer Jen Cheverie, and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm.

This latest downsizing follows 2023 layoffs and the departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche last month. While EA's response to inquiries regarding specific numbers remained vague, Bloomberg estimates approximately two dozen layoffs. BioWare employees reportedly view The Veilguard's completion as a remarkable feat given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN has previously documented The Veilguard's development challenges, including prior layoffs and the departure of key personnel.

Concerns regarding the future of the Dragon Age franchise are rising among fans. One former BioWare writer offered a message of hope, suggesting the series' future rests in the hands of its fanbase.

Regarding Mass Effect, EA confirmed a core team at BioWare, led by veterans of the original trilogy (including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley), is developing the next installment.